Surgical Face Lift
A face-lift is a cosmetic surgical procedure to create a younger look in the face. The procedure can reduce sagging skin. It can also help smooth folds of skin on the cheeks and jawline. A face-lift is also called a rhytidectomy.
During a face-lift, a flap of skin on each side of the face is pulled back. Tissues below the skin are altered, and excess skin is removed. This gives the face a more youthful shape.
A neck lift is often done as part of a face-lift. It reduces fat and sagging skin on the neck.
A face-lift won’t correct damage from sun exposure, such as fine lines and wrinkles. Other cosmetic procedures can address the look or quality of the skin itself.
What are the different kinds of facelifts?
There are many kinds of facelift surgeries depending on which areas of the face and neck are targeted. Types of facelift surgeries include:
- Traditional facelift: A traditional facelift surgery involves incisions around your ears, hairline and below your chin. A surgeon separates your skin from the underlying tissues and tightens the muscles and other supporting structures of your face and neck. The surgeon also removes excess fat in your neck and jowls as needed. The surgeon then re-positions your skin over your face in a natural way and removes any excess skin. This surgery is generally recommended for people who want optimal improvement of moderate to significant facial aging.
- SMAS facelift (SMAS rhytidectomy): A SMAS (superficial musculoaponeurotic system, the muscular layer of your face) facelift targets the lower two-thirds of your face. In this surgical procedure, a surgeon tightens your muscle and trims excess skin and/or fat in your cheeks and lower face. A SMAS facelift is a variation of a traditional facelift.
- Deep plane facelift: In a deep plane facelift surgery, a surgeon lifts the SMAS (the muscular layer of your face), fat and skin as a single unit. Deep plane lifts generally address multiple areas of your face at the same time.
- Mid-facelift: A mid-facelift surgery treats the cheek area of your face. A surgeon repositions the fat in your cheek and tightens the skin in your cheek area.
- Mini-facelift: Mini-facelift surgeries focus on lifting your lower face and neck area. It’s a quicker and less invasive surgery than other facelift surgeries. Surgeons usually recommend mini-facelifts to people who are younger and only have early signs of facial sagging.
- Cutaneous (skin) facelift: Cutaneous facelifts involve your skin only and usually focus on your neck and lower face.
In many cases, people who get a facelift undergo other procedures at the same time as their facelift surgery, including:
- Blepharoplasty (eyelid lift).
- Rhinoplasty (nose job).
- Facial implants.
- Brow lift.
- Liquid facelift with injectable dermal fillers.
- Jawline rejuvenation.
- Chemical peel.
- Laser skin resurfacing.
Who is a candidate for a surgical facelift?
Candidates for a surgical facelift are typically individuals who have noticeable signs of facial aging, including sagging skin, deep wrinkles, loss of facial volume, and jowls. Good candidates are generally in good overall health, have realistic expectations, and have discussed their goals and concerns with a qualified plastic surgeon. It’s important to have a comprehensive evaluation by a surgeon to determine if you are a suitable candidate for the procedure.
How is a surgical facelift performed?
The specific technique used during a surgical facelift can vary depending on the patient’s needs and the surgeon’s approach. Generally, the procedure involves making incisions along the hairline or within the natural creases of the face. The surgeon then lifts and repositions the underlying facial tissues, removes excess skin, and may also address the underlying muscles. The incisions are then closed with sutures or other techniques. The surgery typically takes several hours to complete.
What is the recovery like after a surgical facelift?
After a surgical facelift, patients can expect some swelling, bruising, and discomfort in the treated area. Pain medication may be prescribed to manage any post-operative pain. It is common to have bandages or dressings applied to the incision sites, and drainage tubes may be inserted to prevent fluid buildup. These are typically removed within a day or two after surgery. Strenuous activities and heavy lifting should be avoided for a few weeks, and it’s important to follow your surgeon’s post-operative instructions for optimal healing.
Are there any risks or complications associated with a surgical facelift?
Like any surgical procedure, a surgical facelift carries potential risks and complications. These can include bleeding, infection, scarring, numbness or changes in sensation, hairline changes, skin irregularities, asymmetry, and dissatisfaction with the cosmetic outcome. It’s important to thoroughly discuss the potential risks and complications with your plastic surgeon prior to the procedure.
Surgical Face Lift – Frequently Asked Questions
The results of a surgical facelift are long-lasting, but the aging process will continue. While the surgery cannot stop the natural aging process, it can significantly rejuvenate the face and provide a more youthful appearance. The results can last for many years, and proper skincare and lifestyle habits can help maintain the effects of the surgery.
Yes, a surgical facelift can be combined with other surgical or non-surgical procedures to enhance the overall results. Commonly combined procedures include neck lift, eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty), brow lift, fat grafting, or laser resurfacing. Your plastic surgeon will evaluate your individual needs and goals to determine the most appropriate combination of procedures.
The duration of a surgical facelift procedure can vary depending on the extent of the surgery and any additional procedures performed. On average, it can take anywhere from 2 to 5 hours.
A surgical facelift is typically performed under general anesthesia, which means you will be asleep throughout the procedure. In some cases, local anesthesia with sedation may be used.
Yes, a surgical facelift does leave scars, but they are typically well-hidden within the hairline and natural creases of the face. Over time, the scars tend to fade and become less noticeable. Your plastic surgeon will make efforts to minimize scarring and provide post-operative instructions for scar care.
The recovery period after a surgical facelift can vary from patient to patient. Generally, it takes about 1 to 2 weeks for the initial recovery, during which swelling, bruising, and discomfort are common. Most patients are able to resume normal activities within 2 to 4 weeks, but strenuous exercise and activities should be avoided for a few weeks.
It takes time for the swelling and bruising to subside, and for the tissues to settle into their new position. The final results of a surgical facelift typically become fully apparent within 3 to 6 months after the procedure. However, some improvements will be noticeable earlier on in the recovery process.
Yes, a surgical facelift can be repeated in the future if desired. However, it’s important to note that subsequent facelift procedures may be more complex due to scar tissue and changes in the underlying facial structures. Your plastic surgeon can provide guidance on the appropriate timing for a revision facelift.